Welcome To This Week’s Saltwater Sounds…

A collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.

This Week at a Glance

January late sunny afternoon view of the garden and bay

What a gift this past week has been. After all the gray and rain we’ve come to expect in January, the sunshine showed up, and it looks like it’s sticking around a bit longer.

I’ll take every bright moment I can get this time of year.

So will Ollie!

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“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.”

ANAMIKA MISHRA

And for my fellow Seattleites… how about that Seahawks playoff win last night? Such an exciting way to end the week!

Between the sun, football excitement, and the promise of spring slowly creeping closer, it finally feels like winter is loosening its grip, at least just a little.

A Pop of Color (Yes, Already!)

If you’re missing bright colored flowers these days, you’re definitely not alone. And the grocery stores and garden centers clearly know it.

Everywhere I shopped this week, I saw tulips, primroses, and pansies popping up, ready to brighten porches and patios everywhere.

It’s amazing how just a few pots of color can lift your spirits in the middle of winter. Even if spring feels far away, these little signs remind me it’s coming.

LET’S GO SHOPPING FOR

Garden Supplies and Tools

Check out my favorite garden supplies and tools for the growing season. Whether you’re looking for potting soil or deer repellent, you’ll find what I use in my own garden.

SHOP HERE

In the Garden and the Greenhouse

Seed season is almost here! And I couldn’t be more thrilled. Most of the seeds are purchased, and I’m ordering the seed-starting mix today.

different colors of pumpkins in the yard

I’ll be sharing my 2026 summer seed collection next week, including vegetables (and lots of pumpkins!).

I’ll admit it. Vegetables have always intimidated me a bit. Flowers? No problem. Veggies? They feel like a whole different skill set. But each year, I step out of my comfort zone a little bit more.

Now, for what I still have to do this coming week:

Organize my garden supplies. I’m determined to actually find my pruners when I need them this year.
Finalize the cut flower garden layout, which I hope to share with you next week.
Clean and sanitize all remaining seed-starting supplies (one part bleach to 9 parts water).

My goal is to start sowing my sweet peas this coming week. It will feel so good to be back in the greenhouse again.

YOU MAY NEED THESE

Seed Starting Supplies

Check out my favorite supplies and tools for starting seeds indoors. Whether you’re looking for grow lights or a seed starting mix, you’ll find what I use in my own greenhouse.

SHOP HERE

Around the Cottage

forsythia branches brought indoors and green apples in a bowl on the kitchen table — Force blooming more forsythia branches.

There has definitely been progress at home lately (and a little chaos).

The walk-in closet project is moving right along.

view of thebathroom after the tub was removed

The tub is officially out, the tile is in, and things are taking shape. Progress feels good, even when it’s a little messy.

Christmas decoration piles all over the messy room

As for the Christmas decor from the photo shoot? It’s…still very much a situation. Everything is currently piled in my office, and I’m slowly working through it.